OXYGEN

15 Jul – Memorial for St Bonaventure, Bishop and Doctor of the Church

St. Camillus (1550-1614) used to be a gambling addict. He lost so much he had to take a job working construction on a building belonging to the Capuchins; they converted him. Because of a persistent injury, he moved into San Giacomo Hospital for the incurable, and eventually became its administrator.

Lacking education, he began to study with children when he was 32 years old. St. Camillus founded the Congregation of the Servants of the Sick (the Camellians) who care for the sick both in hospital and home. He honoured the sick as living images of Christ, and hoped that the service he gave them did penance for his wayward youth.

- Patron Saint Index
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Exodus 3:1-6.9-12

Moses was looking after the flock of Jethro, his father-in-law, priest of Midian. He left his flock to the far side of the wilderness and came to Horeb, the mountain of God. There the angel of the Lord appeared to him in the shape of a flame of fire, coming from the middle of a bush. Moses looked; there was the bush blazing but it was not being burnt up. ‘I must go and look at this strange sight,’ Moses said ‘and see why the bush is not burnt.’ Now the Lord saw him go forward to look, and God called to him form the middle of the bush. ‘Moses, Moses!’ he said. ‘Here I am’ he answered. ‘Come no nearer’ he said. ‘Take off your shoes, for the place on which you stand is holy ground. I am the God of your father,’ he said ‘the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob.’ At this Moses covered his face, afraid to look at God.

And the Lord said, ‘And now the cry of the sons of Israel has come to me, and I have witnessed the way in which the Egyptians oppress them, so come, I send you to Pharaoh to bring the sons of Israel, my people, out of Egypt.’

Moses said to God, ‘Who am I to go to Pharaoh and bring the sons of Israel out of Egypt?’ ‘I shall be with you,’ was the answer’ and this is the sign by which you shall know that it is I who have sent you… After you have led the people out of Egypt, you are to offer worship to God on this mountain.’
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Matthew 11:25-27

Jesus exclaimed, ‘I bless you, Father, Lord of heaven and of earth, for hiding these things from the learned and the clever and revealing them to mere children. yes, Father, for that is what it pleased you to do. Everything has been entrusted to me by my Father; and no one knows the Son except the Father, just as no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.’
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Here I am.

As I sit and reflect on my life, I must say indeed the Lord has been with me all these while. As a student, He has blessed me with the ability to study. I was not the smartest kid on town, but I was hardworking. Growing up wasn’t easy. I did not have the luxury of going for holidays or having branded goods, but I am thankful for a good family upbringing with sound values. As for my jobs, I am thankful to be in the area where I enjoy what I do and still have time to serve the Lord. For the doors that He has closed in my life, there are the open ones where there are new opportunities to embark on.

In the Gospel of today, the Lord appeared to Moses sending him to Pharaoh and asking him to bring his people the Israelites out of Egypt. He also assured Moses that He will be with him as Moses led the people out of Egypt.

I wonder what Moses would have felt at that time. It was a heavy responsibility and Moses must have wondered, “Why me?” Has there been a time in your life, you have been tasked a responsibility to lead a project and you wondered, “How am I going to be able to do it?” I have encountered such situations and I usually thank the Lord for the opportunity and ask Him to guide me through the process.

Whenever I am called upon to do the Lord’s work, I will not hesitate to do it, and it has been truly been fulfilling. So when called upon to serve the Lord, shout out to Him: “Here I am Lord, show me how You can use me an instrument to love and serve You.” Seek the Lord daily, open your heart and mind to discern His plans. He in return will show you His presence and He is there for you always. As you experience his grace, spread the good news around by sharing your testimonials and prayers with fellow brothers and sisters in Christ.

(Today’s OXYGEN by Patricia Ang)
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Prayer: Lord, teach us how to serve You humbly and to grow in faith. Constantly remind us that You are always there for us.

Thanksgiving: We thank You for giving us opportunities to serve You and to grow in faith.

Upcoming Readings:
Thu, 16 Jul – Exodus 3:13-20; Matthew 11:28-30; Memorial for Our Lady of Mount Carmel
Fri, 17 Jul – Exodus 11:10-12:14; Matthew 12:1-8
Sat, 18 Jul – Exodus 12:37-42; Matthew 12:14-21
Sun, 19 Jul – Jeremiah 23:1-6; Ephesians 2:13-18; Mark 6:30-34; Sixteenth Sunday of Ordinary Time